Remembering a good Samaritan

13 November 2008

Actor Joanna Lumley gave a reading at a memorial service for Samaritans founder Chad Varah at St Paul’s Cathedral in London yesterday.

Joanna Lumley: gave a reading at memorial service

The event took place to mark what would have been Varah's 97th birthday. He set up the UK's first 24-hour telephone helpline in 1953, while rector of St Stephen Walbrook church in London at a time when attempting suicide was illegal.

"Chad Varah said people must never be alone again and that people must always have someone to talk to in their darkest hour," said Lumley. "I think the setting up of Samaritans is something absolutely exceptional."

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